Looks good on the monitor, but only you know how it worked out at 100% etc. As you're clearly a very experienced photographer and we have a long history, you know I value your opinions; so what's the judgement:

a. can it replace the Canon for a lot of work;

b. is what you have shot here simply an additional use that might further justify the purchase of a lighter, 'fun' camera more convenient to cart around on non-work occasions?

There is no real reason for one or the other. This is shooting under very controlled circumstances and nothing would be published without finessing tonally, in which case I doubt there need be any apparent difference at all at the end of the production line.

The camera interface was very different on the shoot itself. The live view LCD screen does facilitate getting into awkward spots. The native ISO of 200 does lend a bit to depth of field, as does the smaller image magnification.

With the 50mm lens on the Canon and the 35mm lens on the Fuji the focussing on the Fuji was appreciably slower. The Canon Macro 100mm and the Fuji Macro 60mm both can be very slow searching for focus. I dare say that the Canon wins in this regard.

Like many 'rangefinder' cameras the Fuji is less happy on a tripod but then the electronic level makes keeping straight a tad easier. (I can't recall an instance in over 40 years that I did not have a spirit level on a camera when shooting. And, by the way, the level in the iPhone is a splendid addition.)

b. is what you have shot here simply an additional use that might further justify the purchase of a lighter, 'fun' camera more convenient to cart around on non-work occasions?

I have really had a lot of fun with the Fuji and justification isn't all that much of a consideration. Having said that, it is a bit of an extravagance given that I loathe digital and only engage it for commercial pursuits. The Fuji might go to the big Ebay in the sky and the funds upgrade the Canon system. An 85mm and an EOS 5D MkIII would probably prove handier for me after Tuesday's experience. The Live View is the clincher.

Having had the Fuji since before Christmas I haven't actually used it as a walk-around grab camera even once. That is the sort of shooting I use my Linhof Technika for while the Sinar is wheeled out for more serious motifs.

Well, despite having bitten the above bullet, the reality is that the cellphone is still more 'fun' and changes work into pleasure and mild giggle. Woe is me that I thought I could buy happiness! A snap from lunchtime.

Some cars just look 'rich'. It's that mixture of understatement, solidity and paintwork sans pareil. After some two years of experience I would definitively state that my Ford Fiesta need not apply.

Got a lump in the throat yestarday afternoon: was walking through the old town of Pollensa with my daughter, and there, parked with a ticket, stood Rusty, my old Escort XRi. Dirty, filthy wheels and unloved. I had to pat him and whisper an apology. Wish I'd kept him. Just like the 500 Series 'blads, then. Enjoy yours, Walter.